Christian leaders defend 'Noah' in special featurette

Compiled by Kandra Polatis , Deseret News National Edition

Published: Sunday, Aug. 2 2015 3:29 p.m. MDT

Actors Russell Crowe, left, and Jennifer Connelly pose with director Darren Aronofsky at the premiere of "Noah," at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, in New York. In an effort to combat negative sentiments already surrounding the movie, Paramount Studios asked Phil Cooke, a media consultant and Christian, to produce a special featurette. The featurette includes endorsements from numerous religious leaders. (Evan Agostini, Associated Press)

Several Christian leaders endorsed the controversial film "Noah" in a featurette that was released last week.

Paramount Studios asked Phil Cooke, a media consultant (and Christian), to produce the featurette because numerous groups have criticized the film for biblical inaccuracy, according to The Blaze.

The video includes comments from Cooke, individuals who contributed to "Noah" and various faith leaders who approve of the film.

Ari Handel, co-producer and writer of "Noah," said it was difficult to create characters for the film using the biblical account of Noah.

"There's not a character arc for Noah and there's very little insight to what the characters were thinking and feeling on the inside," said Handel in the featurette.

He explained the Noah story begins with the idea of "strong justice" and ends with mercy and grace, so the filmmakers decided to have Noah go through that story arc.

"Then it’s occurring in a place where we can understand it as human beings we can relate to it emotionally," Handel said.

Hollywood Prayer Network founder Karen Covell appeared in clips and emphasized that people should not expect movies to proselytize.

"Movies aren’t sermons, and if they can bring up a topic and start a conversation, that’s a good movie," said Covell. She added that watching "Noah" led her to ask questions.

Jim Daly, president of the global ministry Focus on the Family, agrees.

"Darren Aronofsky is not a theologian, nor does he claim to be. He is a filmmaker and a storyteller and in 'Noah' he has told a compelling story," said Daly in a quote featured in the video. "It is a creative interpretation of the scriptural account that allows us to imagine the deep struggles Noah may have wrestled with as he answered God’s call on his life."

Angie Han at Slashfilm doubts this featurette will convince those who have launched a crusade against "Noah" to see it, but believes the video may sway people who aren't strongly opposed to the film.

"Maybe it’ll convince people on the fence to give it a shot," Han said.